Keep Words Simple

Dogs are much easier to communicate with and train when we keep words simple for them. They don’t have a language part of the brain. But they can learn the sounds that we teach. By keeping the words we use simple they can better understand what we want.

It is important that everybody in the family knows which words mean what to the dog. For example, if you tell a jumping dog “down” and use “down” for “lie down” you are muddying the waters of human-canine communication. So, make sure the whole family knows what the specific words are for specific requests.

Try to use all words sparingly so that they have significance to your dog. This is especially true for the dog’s name. Teach your dog that great things happen when he hears his name. And don’t overuse it or you’ll wear it out! For the dog to look at you when he hears his name that word must be relevant. We also want the dog to like the sound of his name and to immediately look with happy anticipation when he hears it. So, try to avoid using the dog’s name in conjunction with a negative (Bad dog, Rover!)

Dogs don’t really get full sentences. When a response is required from the dog, it’s simpler to use a one- or two-word request. This is not to say that you can’t babble affectionately at your dog (Who’s my best sweetie snookums fluffy wuffy puppy…”). This is not a request for behavior or an attempt to communicate anything but affection. The dog gets that. He may not get the words, but the tone and intention are crystal clear. But when you want a response from your dog it is easier for him to follow our language if we first teach the words, use the fewest words possible and then use them consistently.